Here's Why Start-Up Founders Need a Mentor

The concepts of mentorship or entrepreneurship are certainly not new. But the role that mentorship can play in building successful businesses has become more important than ever before - especially in the case of startups. 

In today's day and age, it feels like there's an individual at every corner with an exciting startup idea. However, while many individuals dream of being entrepreneurs, not every new startup sees success.

Yes, there can be many differences between a failed and successful startup. But what's common in most, if not all successful startups, is the presence of a startup or business mentor - one who helped startup founders navigate the tricky path of setting a new business. 

So, who exactly is a startup mentor and what role does a mentor play in a startup? Read ahead to find out. 

What Is A Startup Mentor?

A startup mentor is an experienced entrepreneur or industry expert willing to share their learnings and experience with first-time founders. These mentors can guide startup entrepreneurs on ways to build and grow their businesses. By tapping into their own experience, they can help new business owners avoid common mistakes. And it goes without saying, experienced mentors can help entrepreneurs expand their professional network. 

Simply put, a mentor can be crucial to a startup's success. In fact, most successful founders that we see today relied on the advice of business mentors when they started - including Steve Jobs, Jeff Bezos, and many others. 

In many cases, a startup mentor can also provide new founders with a much-needed sense of security by supporting them through the initial phase of their business. They can help them with building cohesive teams, navigating what is social recognition, budgeting, financial forecasting, and other complexities. 

Setting up a new business is no mean feat and many first-time founders experience insecurity and doubts at a business' inception stage. A startup mentor can be the voice of reason at this time, alleviating unfounded fears, and helping founders achieve entrepreneurial success. 

Simply put, the role of a mentor in a startup is invaluable. Here's why: 

Benefits Of Startup Mentors

The role of a mentor in a startup goes beyond giving advice, though that's certainly important. However, a mentor plays multiple roles in a startup, aiding the growth of both, the business and the business owner. Here's a look at the major benefits of mentor consultation: 

Knowledge Transfer

Since these entrepreneur mentors are experienced founders themselves, they're well-versed in the issues that new startups may face. Thus, not only do they have advice for inexperienced founders but can also share possible solutions and/or different approaches for handling difficult situations. This form of knowledge transfer allows for accelerated growth of a business. However, it's important to note that active mentoring does not involve solving a business problem. Mentees should only look for guidance from mentors and not tailor-made solutions. 

Strong Network

Another benefit of having a mentor is access to their personal networks. Mentors with experience build connections through their entrepreneurial journey. And access to a mentor's professional network can help startup founders build and expand their own network. A mentor for a startup can also connect founders to other like-minded professionals, who could be future business partners, clients, solution providers, or even, potential mentors. 

A New Perspective

The advice of mentors is invaluable because it often offers a new perspective to an existing challenge. In fact, mentors can act as sounding boards for mentees. This allows them to think through a new idea or even find a new or novel solution to an old problem. Mentors can also help founders keep a positive mindset when facing challenges. 

Critical Assessment

What makes a perfect mentor? It's the ability to critically assess a new business and offer an honest and unbiased opinion about its strengths and weaknesses. That's also a core benefit of having a mentor for a startup. They have the practical knowledge and experience to point out issues that new founders may ignore or be unaware of. 

The benefits of startup mentoring are not restricted to mentees alone. Mentoring startups can be advantageous for mentors too. A stronger network, potential investment opportunities, advanced leadership and communication skills, and stronger community engagement are just some of the advantages of startup mentoring for mentors.  

Types Of Startup Mentors

Broadly, there can be two kinds of startup mentors - industry experts and experienced entrepreneurs. 

As the name suggests, industry experts are individuals who have considerable experience and advanced technical knowledge. They're focused on a specific area of business development, like a talent acquisition leader or finance expert. Such industry advisors are great mentors for founders struggling to grow or manage one aspect of a business. 

Experienced entrepreneurs are entrepreneurs who've successfully run their own businesses and are using their own experience to guide other founders. They don't focus on any one area of business but rather share their own experience on best practices to run a business. If this sounds like the sharks you see in the hit reality show Shark Tank, you're not wrong. Because such mentors can also act as angel investors for new startups. 

Ideally, the perfect mentor for a startup is one who's a mix of both these types. But, that's a rare case. Thus, founders should first assess their requirements and accordingly, look for a mentor. 

What To Consider Before Finding A Mentor?

There is no such thing as a perfect startup mentor. But the one thing that new owners should keep in mind when looking for a new mentor is understanding the business's core requirements. Depending on the requirements of the business and the owner, the elements of mentoring may change. For example, if a startup is facing a financial crunch, it would need guidance from a mentor on fundraising. Or a startup struggling with expansion will need advice from a mentor on business strategy. 

Additionally, mutual trust and respect are also core elements in startup mentoring, or in fact, in all types of mentor relationships. Mentees should not look for 

Thus, don't look for perfect startup mentors but look for those who can provide you and your business the help and support it needs. A good mentor is akin to a secret weapon that can significantly improve your chance of success. 

How To Find Startup Mentors In India

The demand for mentors is certainly high in the Indian startup ecosystem but how do you find the perfect mentor? Here are a few ways to find startup mentors in India: 

Online Communities

There are several online communities for business owners where individuals can find potential mentors. These communities can even be specific to an industry or location. Individuals can thus join communities that are best aligned with their requirements. 

Networking Events

Networking events are a great way to connect with other professionals and industry leaders. For example, if a startup is facing a talent crunch, the founders can attend a hiring meet with talent acquisition leaders and walk away with practical solutions; and even a core mentor. These events don't just take place offline and interested individuals can join online networks as well.  

Volunteer Events

Volunteer events are another way to expand your network and connect with experienced professionals. Such events also provide much-needed exposure to new startups. After all, no medium of communication can pitch your product or services better than you! 

Online Programs

In today's day and age, you can find everything online, including a mentoring relationship. Online mentor programs are becoming increasingly common and interested individuals can sign up for such programs to find their ideal mentor match. 

Ultimately, a startup mentoring relationship can be crucial to a business's success and can positively impact both, mentors and mentees. 

Suggested Reads: 

Business Mentoring 101: What Is It And How Can It Help You

What Is Mentorship & Why It's Important For Both, Mentors & Mentees

What Is A Mentor? Understanding Its Definition And Types In Detail

Coaching vs Mentoring: A Look At The Major Differences

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